Power and Energy Ministry contradicts itself over CEB Chairman

Colombo, June 4 (Daily Mirror) - The Power and Energy Ministry has contradicted itself regarding the resignation of CEB Chairman Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, weeks after strongly denying it.

Daily Mirror reported on May 11 that Siyambalapitiya had tendered his resignation that; however, later in the day, they vehemently rejected the report saying he has not resigned but had only applied for leave to travel abroad for personal reasons.

However, yesterday (03), the Ministry announced that Professor K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala has been appointed as the new Chairman of the CEB, admitting that Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya had in fact resigned from his post.

Prof. Hemapala served as Secretary to the Ministry of Energy.

He is also a distinguished academic, formerly holding the positions of Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Moratuwa.

Dr. Siyambalapitiya was appointed CEB Chairman on September 26, 2024, under the NPP government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The CEB, under the leadership of Tilak Siyambalapitiya, has come under fire in recent times over several issues, including allegations of discouraging the use of solar power by reducing tariffs paid for rooftop solar energy.

Although the leadership change of Siyambalapitiya was portrayed as timely when the CEB was grappling with a series of critical challenges, including financial instability and operational inefficiencies, the question remains unanswered as to whether Siyambalapitiya was able to make a significant mark during his tenure.

Timeline of events:

May 11 (Morning):

Daily Mirror reported that Dr. Siyambalapitiya had resigned from his post as CEB Chairman.

May 11 (Evening):

The Ministry of Power and Energy issued a statement rejecting the report.

“There is no truth in the media reports suggesting the resignation of the CEB Chairman,” an official said.

The Ministry claimed he had only applied for leave to travel abroad for personal reasons.

June 3:

The Ministry announced that Professor K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala has been appointed as the new Chairman of the CEB.

​